Whether you’re travelling for filming purposes or to attend a sporting event, understanding different airline cabin classes can be confusing.
Thankfully, there’s no need to worry because Access Bookings’ specialist corporate travel management teams know it all and we’ve recently asked Lee Gunn, Chief Operating Officer who has provided this valuable information.
Lee Gunn, Chief Operating Officer, adds:
“While airlines are getting creative with names and features, most still stick to the four core categories: Economy, Premium Economy, Business, and First Class.”
Economy
Economy has various different names such as coach, standard, main cabin or ‘cattle class’, but in short, economy is the most basic class on an airline. It’s the most popular cabin class and also the most cost effective, due to the lack of complimentary amenities and space.
Most seat pitches can vary from 28-34 inches and a seat width of 17-33 inches, so depending on whether it’s a short or long haul flight, it’s worth looking at the airlines specs…we’re pretty certain your knees will thank you! Depending on the airline, economy offers up little complimentary amenities, a handful of airlines will offer free snacks and beverages. Economy delight with Virgin is economy extra legroom seat, Premium with Virgin is just called premium and is a different cabin. Economy delight is still in economy
Premium Economy
Premium economy can be called many different things, British Airways calls it ‘World Traveller Plus’. It’s basically economy with added oomph (and cost). Typically, you’ll get a wider seat with a greater pitch, larger entertainment screens, extra amenities, better food and a greater luggage allowance.
Business
There’s a clear difference in economy and business class offerings from the get-go. Business-class is becoming increasingly popular and due to uptake, some airlines have replaced first class with a higher quality business class. With a business class seat you can expect some sort of executive airport lounge, extra luggage allowance, priority boarding and definitely a higher standard of seat.
Seats are usually in an armchair style and lie fully flat, so if you’re on a long-haul flight, business class is a luxury worth paying for. If you’re lucky some airlines even provide pyjamas.
First Class
You can’t get any better than first class, which promises a luxurious experience, that you’ll never forget. The experience of first-class varies depending on your choice of airline. So you could experience anything from an enclosed private luxury seat to a full suite with Etihad’s ‘The Residence’ – a 3-room suite with a living room, bedroom and a private bathroom (with a shower). You can typically expect lounge access, a premium amenity kit, increased privacy, a fancy food and drink offering and often a large lie-flat bed! So if you want to land, looking refreshed and feeling like royalty, first class is the best option.
So the bottom line is depending on whether you’re travelling short or long haul, a higher class might be better for you, but of course, it always depends on availability, airline and budget. As experienced travel management company for the media and entertainment industries for more than 37 years, your comfort will always be our priority.
Get in touch to book your next flight with Access.